Thursday, 16/11/2017 16:29 (GMT+7)
(CPV) - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with IUCN Vietnam and Can Tho University on November 15th co-organized the launching event of the project “Development and implementation of a communication and information dissemination strategy for the principles and recommendations in the Mekong Delta Plan”.
This activity is a part of the Strategic Partnership Arrangement on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management between Vietnamese Government and the Netherlands with the financial support of Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Hosted by Can Tho University, participants enjoyed a comprehensive communication strategy to disseminate the principles of Mekong Delta Plan (MDP) to the 13 localities of the Delta under the message “The future of the Delta is in our hands”, including a training of trainers program and training workshops.
Photo: Hoai Linh
Over the last few decades, the Mekong Delta has played an important role in the economic development of Vietnam. However, the impact of climate change, mal-development and over exploitation of its natural resources are seriously threatening its future.
Vietnam as well as international community have been developing various strategies and programs to adapt and mitigate climate change’s impact, of which the MDP has been a key initiative. Written in 2013 within the framework agreement between the two Governments, it has become a key reference document and source of guidance for the nation. This Plan has also recommended principles for sustainable development taking into account both economic prospects and environmental considerations including climate change.
MDP so far has been endorsed by Vietnamese high-level leaders, donors as well as implementing partners. Yet, today, there is limited exposure and understanding of the principles and recommendations of the MDP at lower levels of government and in the community. The understanding as well as endorsement of the grassroots for these principles will leverage the impact of the MDP on the development of the Mekong Delta. Therefore, it is critical to enhance awareness among the grassroots level which are identified as civil servants at the provincial and district levels, and farmers.
The project is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, endorsed by the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Planning and Investment; while implementing partners are made up of a consortium including UNESCO-IHE (Lead), Can Tho University, IUCN Vietnam, Water.NL, Fresh Studio Vietnam Farmers’ Union, Royal Haskoning DHV, Wageningen University, and KnowH2O./.
ATP